Democrats plot to keep the heat on Trump and Musk during recess

• The dynamic has created tension as lawmakers insist that activists' demands to "do more" don't take into account their extremely restricted power as the minority party in Congress.
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has laid out a 10-point plan and created a task force to fight Musk's DOGE efforts.

Driving the news: In messaging guidance sent out Wednesday morning, the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee wrote that the February recess "must be nine days of visibility."

• "It is essential that Members engage through an in-person town hall or telephone town hall and at least one community event" on the impacts of DOGE's efforts to cut government spending, the DPCC said.
• They also urged lawmakers to go live on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook and "film at least one direct-to-camera video about the Republican Rip Off."

• The guidance to Democratic offices was first reported by Politico.

Zoom in: The DPCC included a script for social media live hits accusing Republicans of wanting to cut Medicaid and food assistance while cutting taxes for "their billionaire donors and ... the biggest corporations."

• It also includes a sample media advisory for in-district town halls and pre-prepared podium signs reading "STOP THE REPUBLICAN RIP-OFF".